Name: Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 4 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 x 5-8 oz (150-180g) salmon fillets, skin on or off (skin on recommended); 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably whole egg mayonnaise); 2 tbsp brown sugar; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 bunches asparagus; 1 bunch broccolini; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 tbsp olive oil

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that’s both quick and feels a little special, you’ve got to try this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe. It’s one of those meals that delivers big on flavor with minimal fuss — the brown sugar glaze caramelizes beautifully under the broiler, making your salmon luscious and slightly sweet, while the roasted asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes add freshness and color. I absolutely love how this turns out every time, and I know you’ll find it just as satisfying as I do.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: It takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The brown sugar glaze creates an irresistible caramelized crust that’s sweet with a touch of heat from cayenne.
Healthy and Colorful: Roasting fresh vegetables alongside the salmon adds nutrients, vibrant colors, and variety to your plate.
Minimal Cleanup: Everything cooks on one tray, making after-dinner cleanup a breeze.

The image shows four golden brown cooked salmon fillets laid side by side on a black tray. The salmon has a shiny, slightly crisp surface. Around the fillets are roasted bright green asparagus stalks with some tips slightly charred. Small, round red cherry tomatoes are scattered throughout the tray, some whole and some lightly softened. The background is out of focus, putting the focus on the salmon and vegetables. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables, easy healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon recipes, caramelized salmon glaze, weeknight salmon meal

Ingredients You’ll Need

The harmony of flavors here is really something special, thanks mainly to the combo of savory salmon, sweet brown sugar, and crisp veggies. Choosing fresh, firm salmon fillets and vibrant vegetables like broccolini and asparagus will make a huge difference in the final dish.

Flat lay of four thick salmon fillets with skin on, two bunches of fresh green asparagus, one bunch of broccolini with small florets, a small bowl overflowing with bright red cherry tomatoes, a small dish of golden brown sugar, a tiny ramekin of creamy mayonnaise, a small spoonful of Dijon mustard, a drizzle of olive oil in a shallow dish, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small heap, all placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables, easy healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon recipes, caramelized salmon glaze, weeknight salmon meal

Salmon fillets: I usually grab skin-on fillets because the skin crisps up nicely under the broiler, but skinless works too.
Asparagus: Choose firm stems without woody ends for the best texture after roasting.
Broccolini: This tender green adds variety and roasts beautifully alongside asparagus.
Cherry tomatoes: Their natural sweetness contrasts the savory glaze wonderfully.
Olive oil: Use extra virgin for drizzling on veggies for a rich flavor.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the natural flavors.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the glaze—don’t skip this!
Mayonnaise: I prefer whole egg mayonnaise for creaminess that helps balance the brown sugar’s sweetness.
Brown sugar: The star of the glaze, giving salmon that irresistible caramelized crust.
Cayenne pepper: A pinch gives a subtle heat that lifts the glaze’s flavor without overpowering it.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe is super adaptable. Over time, I’ve tried a few tweaks depending on what’s in season or what crowd I’m feeding — and each variation has its own charm.

Spice it up: If you like more heat, boost the cayenne or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky twist — my family goes crazy for that version!
Vegetable swaps: Sometimes I’ll swap broccolini for green beans or add thinly sliced fennel for a fresh anise note.
Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but just double-check your mayo and mustard labels to be safe.
Sweetener alternatives: Brown sugar is my go-to, but I’ve had great results using coconut sugar for a slightly less sweet, earthier flavor.

How to Make Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your broiler on high and positioning the oven rack about 6 inches (15 cm) from the heat source. This proximity to the broiler’s intense heat is key to getting that perfect caramelized glaze on your salmon without overcooking it. Meanwhile, lightly oil a baking tray to prevent sticking. I like using olive oil for the subtle flavor it adds.

Step 2: Toss and Arrange the Vegetables

Grab your asparagus, broccolini, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle them with olive oil, sprinkle on some salt and pepper, and give everything a good toss with your hands—this makes sure every piece gets a light coating. Spread them out on the baking tray mostly in one layer to help them roast evenly and develop those beautiful caramelized edges.

Step 3: Season and Glaze the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets nestled among the veggies, skin side down if it has skin. Season the fillets lightly with salt and pepper. Then, in a small bowl, mix the Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, brown sugar, and cayenne until smooth and well combined. Slather this glaze generously over the tops and sides of the salmon — this is what gives the dish its signature sweet and spicy caramelized finish.

Step 4: Broil to Perfection

Pop the tray under the broiler for about 8 minutes. The key here is not to flip the salmon; let the heat do its magic on one side. Keep an eye on it — you want the glaze to caramelize but not burn. The salmon should be golden and bubbly on top, with the interior still tender and blushing pink. Once done, let it rest for 2 minutes — trust me, this makes all the difference before serving.

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Pro Tips for Making Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

Broiler Distance Matters: Placing the rack 6 inches from the heat source helps the glaze caramelize quickly without burning the veggies.
Use Room Temperature Salmon: Letting the fish sit out for 15 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly under the broiler.
Don’t Overload the Tray: Give the vegetables some breathing room for even roasting — overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting.
Watch the Sugar: Brown sugar burns fast under high heat — keep an eye so your glaze caramelizes nicely without going bitter.

How to Serve Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe

A white plate holds a grilled salmon fillet in the center with a shiny, caramelized brown surface showing grill marks. Underneath and around the salmon are green asparagus and broccolini with a slightly charred texture. Bright red roasted cherry tomatoes, some whole and some halved, are scattered on the plate around the vegetables and fish. A silver fork rests on the right side of the plate, its tip near the salmon. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. In the blurred background, there is a white dish with brown crumbs and some slices of a white baguette. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables, easy healthy salmon dinner, quick salmon recipes, caramelized salmon glaze, weeknight salmon meal

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh herbaceousness that cuts through the richness. A wedge of lemon on the side is also perfect for anyone who loves a fizzy citrus boost — it brightens every bite.

Side Dishes

This recipe is so satisfying on its own, but I often serve it with crusty bread rolls to mop up all the delicious juices. Sometimes, a simple quinoa salad or garlic mashed potatoes also complements the dish beautifully if you’re looking to round out your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the salmon on a bed of the roasted vegetables with a drizzle of extra glaze over the top. Using a dark plate really makes the colors pop, and adding microgreens or edible flowers adds that wow factor that your guests will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), wrap the salmon and veggies tightly in foil or place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. I find the flavors mellow a bit but it reheats beautifully without losing moisture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this salmon once or twice when prepping meals ahead. Just be sure to wrap it really well in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge and you’ll lose a little crispness on the veggies, but the salmon stays tender and tasty.

Reheating

I recommend reheating leftovers in a low oven (around 275°F/135°C) for about 10 minutes to warm gently and avoid drying out the salmon. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too; just cover loosely to trap moisture and heat in short bursts to prevent overcooking.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before broiling to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
What if I don’t like spicy food—can I omit the cayenne pepper?

Yes, you can leave out the cayenne without sacrificing much of the glaze’s overall sweetness and tang. If you want a tiny bit of depth without heat, consider a pinch of smoked paprika instead.
How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should be caramelized on top and blush pink in the center. It will flake easily with a fork, but still be moist. Avoid overcooking as salmon can dry out quickly.
Can I prepare this recipe without broiling?

You can bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, but the broiler is ideal for that signature caramelized crust and faster cooking time.

Final Thoughts

This Brown Sugar Broiled Salmon with Roasted Vegetables Recipe holds a special place in my weekly rotation because it’s so dependable and delicious. I remember the first time I made this for guests, watching their eyes light up at the caramelized glaze and perfectly roasted veggies. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough to make company feel special. Give this recipe a try — I think it just might become your new favorite go-to salmon dinner, too.